Things to do instead of doom scrolling

I mean this in the most loving way possible: stop doom scrolling.

This is as much a note for you as it is for me, as I caught myself doing this, this morning.

When crisis happens in our lives, and on a global scale, it can be easy to get sucked into the news, the videos, the photos, the trauma happening around us.

I think staying informed is important part of living with the world around us.

But we also need to understand the boundaries between staying informed and constantly keeping our nervous systems disregulated and activated.

I know that when I'm constantly taking in this kind of energy, I am left drained and with no capacity to anchor myself in compassion, love and action.

So as much as you are keeping yourself informed, please also take care of your bodies, your nervous systems, and your emotions.

Here are some things I'm doing instead of doom scrolling, if any resonate with you, feel free to explore it too:

(1) Music

I've been relishing in music this week, inviting myself (and nervous system) to feel, embrace, and move with music. I'm specifically listening to the playlist I created for my restorative and deep rest sessions. You can listen to it on Spotify here.

(2) Breath work

Often paired with a disregulated nervous system, stress, and anxiety is the quickness and shortness of our breath. This means our bodies aren't receiving as much oxygen as it needs to feel calm, grounded and centred. 3-Part Breathing is one of my go-to breath work practices to slow down my breath, welcome in energy and oxygen, and return to calm.

When we take action from an anchored place, this makes action more sustainable. We can't help to our fullest capacities if we aren't taking care of ourselves.

(3) Moving my body

I'm dancing, shaking, and using yin yoga to tune into where I hold emotions in my body. Yesterday, in the yin yoga class to my membership we focused on being with what is - honouring any and all sensations we're experiencing. It was a deep, powerful practice of awareness, music and movement. The replay is available when join here.

Moving your body could also mean going for a gentle walk. Or a more active exercise. Whatever you feel called to, move and invite stagnant energy in the body to move.

(4) Permission to not rush

Yesterday I could feel a sense of urgency to articulate my feelings, thoughts and calls to action. It was not from a centred place. It was based on a trauma response.

So I'm giving myself permission to not rush. Taking care of my nervous system first, and then responding, is the kind of leader I want to be. The kind of leadership I think we need more of in this quick, reactive world. Gieselle Allen wrote about this yesterday and ooph, it made such an impact on me.

And today, I am choosing to hug my mom, myself and my ancestors close and breathing mindfulness and peace for the collective.

Slow down. Breathe. Listen to your body.

Do what you need to today (and every day) to create space to log off, move, feel, laugh, scream, cry, kiss, hug your loved ones, make art, dance…

Whatever you might need to honour any and all of your emotions, create space for it all.

With love, deep care, and a mindful breath,

Victoria